There are few places left in the world that make you feel small in the best possible way.
Yosemite is one of them.
Granite walls rise thousands of feet above the valley floor. Waterfalls tumble from hanging valleys carved by ancient glaciers. Giant sequoias stand quietly where they have stood for centuries. Long after you’ve returned home, you’ll remember the feeling of standing among these landscapes more than any photograph you brought back with you.
For five unforgettable days we’ll explore both the iconic landmarks that have made Yosemite famous and the quieter corners of the park that many visitors never experience. We’ll hike beneath towering waterfalls, stand atop granite domes with panoramic views stretching across the Sierra, wander among ancient forests, and spend our evenings beneath star-filled skies at Evergreen Lodge.
But what makes this adventure special isn’t simply the scenery.
It’s what happens when you spend five days living differently.
You wake with the sun instead of an alarm clock. Your attention shifts from screens to mountain peaks. Your body remembers what it feels like to move all day, breathe deeply, and fall asleep pleasantly tired. Somewhere between the waterfalls, the pine forests, and the campfire conversations, you begin to feel like yourself again.
This isn’t just a trip to Yosemite.
It’s a chance to reconnect with nature, with community, and with the version of yourself that often gets lost in the pace of everyday life.
Just What I Needed…
DO YOU MISS FEELING AWE?
Standing on the edge of Taft Point, watching sunset illuminate Half Dome, or feeling the power of a waterfall crashing through a granite canyon has a way of putting life into perspective. Yosemite reminds us that there is still wonder in the world. These experiences don’t just create memories. They create moments that stay with you long after the trip is over.
You leave feeling inspired, grateful, and connected to something bigger than yourself.
WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU TRULY UNPLUGGED?
Most of us spend our days reacting to something. Emails, notifications, news alerts, text messages, and endless to-do lists constantly compete for our attention. In Yosemite, those distractions naturally begin to fade into the background. Waterfalls replace notifications. Sunsets replace scrolling. Your attention returns to the world around you and the people sharing the experience with you.
You return home feeling clear, focused, and mentally refreshed.
What Will We Do?
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN THE SIERRA
The transition begins long before we step onto a trail.
As the road winds into the Sierra Nevada, city skylines give way to granite ridges, towering pines, and mountain air that feels noticeably different with every mile. Phones start staying tucked away. Conversations slow down. The pace of everyday life begins to loosen its grip.
By late afternoon we’ll arrive at Evergreen Lodge, our mountain home for the next four nights. Nestled among the pines near the Hetch Hetchy entrance to Yosemite National Park, it’s the kind of place that immediately invites you to exhale.
After settling into our cabins, we’ll gather for our first dinner together and begin getting to know the group. As daylight fades and the forest grows quiet, we’ll share a welcome circle beneath the trees and set our intentions for the days ahead.
Tonight isn’t about doing more.
It’s about arriving.
The mountains will take care of the rest.
DAY 2: YOSEMITE’S QUIET TWIN
Many visitors spend their entire lives coming to Yosemite without ever discovering Hetch Hetchy.
Carved by the same glaciers that created Yosemite Valley, this lesser-known corner of the park offers towering granite walls, dramatic waterfalls, and a sense of solitude that has become increasingly rare in our modern world.
Our adventure begins by crossing O’Shaughnessy Dam before following the shoreline toward Wapama Falls. The deeper we travel into the canyon, the quieter everything becomes. The sound of rushing water replaces traffic. Granite cliffs rise thousands of feet overhead. Sunlight dances across the reservoir while waterfalls tumble from hanging valleys above.
For those who want the full adventure, we’ll continue toward Rancheria Falls where the crowds disappear almost entirely and the wilderness begins to feel limitless.
By evening we’ll return to Evergreen Lodge pleasantly tired, muscles worked in all the right ways, and ready for another evening of good food, good company, and deep mountain sleep.
Tomorrow, Yosemite reveals its most famous side.
DAY 3: ABOVE THE VALLEY
If yesterday was about discovering Yosemite’s quieter side, today is about experiencing its scale.
We leave the valley floor behind and climb into the High Country where granite domes, alpine forests, and expansive views stretch in every direction. The crowds begin to thin. The air feels cooler. Every turn in the trail seems to reveal another perspective on the landscape we’ve only begun to explore.
Our route takes us to Sentinel Dome, where a short scramble leads to one of the finest panoramic viewpoints in the entire park. From the summit, Yosemite unfolds in every direction. Half Dome rises prominently above the valley, El Capitan stands guard over the western horizon, and the distant peaks of the Sierra Nevada stretch toward the sky.
From there we continue toward Taft Point, one of Yosemite’s most dramatic overlooks. Standing near the edge, the valley drops thousands of feet below. Massive granite fissures split the earth beneath your feet while the afternoon light illuminates the cliffs across the valley. It’s the kind of place that commands your full attention.
Throughout the day we’ll stop often, soaking in views that somehow feel larger than photographs can capture. There is no rush here. Yosemite reveals itself best when you slow down enough to truly take it in.
As evening approaches, we’ll make our way to Glacier Point where the entire park seems to glow beneath the setting sun. Half Dome catches the last light of the day, turning gold against the darkening sky.
Tomorrow, a small group will stand on top of it.
Tonight, we’ll fall asleep imagining the adventure that awaits.
DAY 4: YOSEMITE’S ULTIMATE ADVENTURE
Before dawn, Yosemite belongs to the stars.
For those joining the optional Half Dome summit team, the day begins under headlamp light as we make our way through the quiet valley toward one of the most iconic summits in the world. It’s a demanding journey requiring preparation, determination, and a willingness to embrace a challenge that few visitors ever attempt.
As the sun rises across the Sierra, granite walls glow gold and the scale of Yosemite becomes even more apparent with every step higher.
Meanwhile, the rest of the group follows the Mist Trail back into the heart of the park, making their way toward Nevada Fall. This is no consolation prize. It’s one of the finest day hikes in America and offers a chance to experience Yosemite at a slightly slower pace while still standing among its most spectacular landscapes.
By midday both groups reunite at the top of Nevada Fall.
Stories are exchanged. Photos are shared. Lunch tastes better than it should after a morning spent in the mountains. Whether you’ve stood atop Half Dome or spent the day exploring Yosemite’s waterfalls, everyone shares in the accomplishment of an extraordinary day.
Together we’ll descend via the John Muir Trail, taking in sweeping views of the valley before returning to Evergreen Lodge one final time.
That evening we’ll gather for our closing dinner and celebration.
The friendships feel deeper now.
The conversations feel different.
Somewhere over the past few days, Yosemite has worked its quiet magic.
DAY 5: GIANTS OF THE SIERRA
Our final day begins at a slower pace.
Before heading home, we’ll spend time among some of the oldest living beings on Earth. Walking beneath the giant sequoias is a humbling experience. These ancient trees have stood through centuries of storms, droughts, and changing seasons. Standing among them has a way of putting our own lives into perspective.
Their massive trunks rise toward the sky while shafts of sunlight filter through the forest canopy above. Conversations naturally become quieter here. There is a sense of reverence that seems to come with these ancient groves.
If conditions allow, we’ll visit one final hidden gem near the park before gathering for lunch and beginning the journey home.
The mountains will gradually fade in the rearview mirror.
The waterfalls, the granite walls, the star-filled nights, and the laughter shared around the table will not.
You’ll return home with stronger legs, clearer thoughts, deeper sleep, and memories that continue to surface long after the adventure is over.
And like so many who experience Yosemite for the first time, you’ll probably find yourself wondering when you can come back.
Where Will We Stay?
Evergreen Lodge at Yosemite
Tucked among towering pines just outside Yosemite National Park, Evergreen Lodge serves as our mountain basecamp for the week. Located just minutes from the Hetch Hetchy entrance, it provides the perfect balance of comfort, convenience, and immersion in nature.
After a day spent hiking beneath waterfalls and granite cliffs, you’ll return to a warm shower, comfortable bed, and the peaceful rhythm of mountain life. Evenings are spent gathered around the fire, sharing stories from the trail, watching the stars emerge overhead, and enjoying the kind of quiet that has become increasingly rare in everyday life.
One of the unexpected gifts of Yosemite is how deeply people sleep here. Full days outdoors, fresh mountain air, dark skies, and the absence of constant distractions help restore natural sleep patterns. Many guests tell us they haven’t slept this well in years.
Lodging Highlights
• Cozy mountain cabins surrounded by towering pines
• Dark skies and cool mountain evenings ideal for deep, restorative sleep
• Convenient access to both Yosemite Valley and Hetch Hetchy
Accommodations
Double Occupancy
Share a comfortable cabin bedroom featuring two twin beds. Guests share a bathroom and common living area within the cabin, creating a relaxed and welcoming environment while maintaining personal comfort.
Couples traveling together may choose a private queen bedroom and still receive double occupancy pricing per person.
Single Occupancy
Enjoy your own private queen bedroom within a shared cabin. You’ll have the privacy of your own sleeping space while sharing a bathroom and common living area with fellow guests.
What Will We Eat?
Some of the best moments of the week happen long after the hiking boots come off.
Mornings begin with breakfast at Evergreen Lodge before we head into the park for the day’s adventure. Along the trail, we’ll enjoy picnic-style lunches surrounded by some of the most spectacular scenery in North America. In the evenings, we gather back together over dinner, sharing stories from the day while the granite walls and waterfalls slowly give way to sunset and starlight.
There is something special about eating well after a full day in the mountains. The conversations are better. The laughter comes easier. The pace slows down. By the end of the week, these shared meals often become some of the most memorable moments of the entire adventure.
Whether we’re enjoying dinner at Evergreen Lodge or visiting one of the small mountain communities surrounding Yosemite, every meal becomes part of the experience.
Is This Adventure Right For Me?
Good Fit
- You enjoy active vacations and spending full days outdoors.
- You can comfortably hike 6–10 miles on mountain trails.
- You’re looking to disconnect from daily stress and reconnect with nature.
- You enjoy small-group travel and shared experiences.
- You appreciate both iconic destinations and quieter hidden gems.
Not Ideal For
- You’re seeking a luxury resort-focused vacation.
- You dislike hiking or extended periods of physical activity.
- You prefer urban attractions, shopping, or nightlife.
- You want guaranteed access to Half Dome regardless of permit availability.
- You are uncomfortable with uneven mountain terrain or moderate elevation gain.
Invest In Yourself!
Yosemite Getaway Pricing:
Single Occupancy: $2,995
Enjoy your own private queen bedroom within a shared cabin. You’ll have the privacy of your own sleeping space while sharing a bathroom and common living area with other guests.
Perfect for travelers who value personal space while still enjoying the connection and community that develops throughout the adventure.
Double Occupancy: $2,495
Share a comfortable cabin bedroom with one fellow guest in two twin beds. Each cabin features a shared bathroom and common living space, creating a relaxed and welcoming environment while maintaining personal comfort.
Ideal for friends, or solo travelers who enjoy the camaraderie of group adventure travel. Couples can book double occupancy and request a queen room.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
✔ Four nights lodging at Evergreen Lodge
✔ Guided hiking and outdoor experiences throughout Yosemite National Park
✔ Transportation during the adventure
✔ Yosemite National Park entrance fees
✔ Breakfasts, trail lunches, and dinners as listed in the itinerary
✔ Welcome dinner and closing celebration dinner
✔ Professional trip leadership and local guidance
✔ Optional Half Dome permit coordination for qualified participants (subject to availability)
✔ Daily yoga and meditation practice
NOT INCLUDED
✘ Transportation to Sacramento
✘ Travel insurance
✘ Alcoholic beverages
✘ Personal purchases and souvenirs
✘ Optional gratuities
Who Are The Leaders?
KEVIN MONTGOMERY
There are few places that inspire a sense of wonder quite like Yosemite.
For me, spending time in the mountains has always been one of the most effective ways to slow down, gain perspective, and reconnect with what matters most. Somewhere between the towering granite walls, the sound of rushing waterfalls, and the quiet moments shared around a campfire, the noise of everyday life begins to fade away.
That is what I love most about leading these adventures.
Over the course of five days, we’ll explore some of the most iconic landscapes in North America while also experiencing the lesser-known corners of the park that many visitors never discover. We’ll spend our days hiking through ancient forests, standing beneath thundering waterfalls, watching sunset light dance across granite cliffs, and sharing meals and conversations that often become just as memorable as the hikes themselves.
One of the greatest joys of leading these experiences is witnessing the transformation that naturally occurs throughout the week. Guests arrive carrying the weight of work schedules, responsibilities, and endless to-do lists. They leave rested, reconnected, inspired, and often with new friendships that continue long after the adventure ends.
I look forward to sharing Yosemite with you and creating memories together in one of the most extraordinary places on Earth.
JENYA USTINOVA
Jenya discovered yoga shortly after moving to the United States from Russia in her early twenties and immediately connected with the practice. What began as a personal journey soon became a lifelong passion for movement, mindfulness, and helping others discover a deeper connection to themselves.
She holds a 500-hour Yoga Teacher Training certification through Purusha Yoga School in San Francisco and continues to deepen her studies through ongoing education and personal practice. Her teaching style blends strength, accessibility, and mindfulness, creating classes that challenge students while remaining welcoming to practitioners of all experience levels.
For Jenya, yoga extends far beyond the mat. Some of the most meaningful moments happen when movement, breath, and nature come together in a way that helps people feel fully present.
Yosemite provides the perfect setting for that experience.
Whether practicing beneath towering pines, taking in sweeping views from the edge of the valley, or simply sharing quiet moments with the group after a day on the trail, Jenya brings a calm and grounding presence that helps guests slow down, reconnect, and fully immerse themselves in the adventure.
She is excited to share this incredible journey with you and help create an experience that leaves you feeling stronger, more present, and inspired long after you return home.